The WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream are in full swing, but for the rest of the league, it’s time to look ahead to the draft. Of particular interest is the draft lottery, the date of which has yet to be announced. The WNBA Draft will be held in April 2027.
Seven franchises are in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick. The best odds belong to both the Houston Comets (formerly the Connecticut Sun) and Toronto Tempo. The remaining teams in the draft lottery are the Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Washington Mystics (via Chicago Sky) and the expansion Portland Fire.
Hoops HQ’s mock draft presumes the Comets at No. 1, but regardless, the top overall selection in this draft possesses all the skills to transform any franchise.
1. Houston Comets
JuJu Watkins, 6-foot-2 senior guard, USC
The early favorite for National Player of the Year missed last season with an ACL injury, but assuming a full recovery, Watkins is a no-brainer at No. 1 overall. At 6-foot-2, Watkins can score at all levels and guard multiple positions.
2. Toronto Tempo
Madison Booker, 6-foot-1 senior forward, Texas
The Tempo had the worst defensive rating in WNBA history last season. Booker’s physicality at that end of the floor provides immediate relief. The two-way star also averaged 21.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
3. Washington Mystics
Mikaylah Williams, 6-foot senior guard, LSU
Williams fills a need along the perimeter for the Mystics, who excelled despite an uncommonly youthful roster. Williams is an elite scorer from distance, especially on catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
4. Seattle Storm
Hannah Hidalgo, 5-foot-7 senior guard, Notre Dame
Defense was a trouble spot for the Storm last season. Hidalgo is the most disruptive on-ball defender in the country, making her an ideal fit. The concerns are her size and inconsistent shooting.
5. Portland Fire
S’Mya Nichols, 6-foot senior guard, Kansas
Nichols is a threat in the pick-and-roll, from three-point range and getting to the free throw line. Her ability to establish position in the paint is nearly unmatched, allowing Nichols to draw fouls at a high rate.
6. Los Angeles Sparks
MiLaysia Fulwiley, 5-foot-9 senior guard, LSU
The Sparks are retooling after missing the playoffs for a sixth straight season, leading to an overhaul in the front office and coaching staff. Fulwiley is exceptionally skilled at both ends of the court and a player Los Angeles can build around.
7. Los Angeles Sparks (via Phoenix)
Ashlyn Watkins, 6-foot-3 senior forward, South Carolina
This pick comes from dealing Kelsey Plum to the Mercury. The Sparks probably aren’t going to land another generational shooter, but Watkins provides a rugged defensive presence Los Angeles is desperately lacking.
8. New York Liberty
Talaysia Cooper, 6-foot senior guard, Ole Miss
Cooper’s defensive skills are undeniable and align with coach Chris DeMarco’s background serving as a longtime assistant for the Golden State Warriors. Improved three-point shooting last season has elevated her stock.
9. Dallas Wings
Oluchi Okananwa, 5-foot-10 senior guard, Maryland
Another high-level defender fills a pressing need at wing for Dallas. Okananwa has a knack for disrupting passing lanes, excels in transition and is a relentless rebounder, especially on the offensive end.
10. Indiana Fever
Clara Strack, 6-foot-5 senior center, Kentucky
At 6-foot-5, Strack is a true rim protector and tenacious rebounder who can come off the bench to give Aliyah Boston a breather. She’s also emerging as more of a threat from behind the three-point arc.
11. Chicago Sky (via Washington)
Tessa Johnson, 6-foot senior guard, South Carolina
Johnson is regarded as the best pure shooter in this draft and provides an immediate upgrade in an area of glaring weakness. The Sky finished second-to-last in the league in three-point percentage.
12. Chicago Sky (via Atlanta)
Sarah Cisse, 6-foot-3 forward, France
The No. 1 international prospect in this draft was voted MVP at the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket tournament. Cisse’s offensive game is a work in progress, making her a potential candidate to remain overseas initially to develop.
13. Dallas Wings (via Las Vegas)
Chloe Kitts, 6-foot-2 senior forward, South Carolina
The upside might not be off the charts, but Kitts brings an all-around game that could benefit the Wings right away. She’s coming off her most productive season with the Gamecocks.
14. Golden State Valkyries
Ainhoa Risacher, 6-foot-2 forward, France
The younger sister of past NBA No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher made her EuroLeague debut at 17 after scoring 20 points against Team USA at the 2024 U17 World Cup. At 6-foot-2, Ainhoa Risacher’s length makes her an intriguing wing addition.
15. Minnesota Lynx
Kymora Johnson, 5-foot-7 senior guard, Virginia
Johnson was one of three players nationally to average at least 19 points and 5.5 assists last season. She holds the school record for career three-pointers, but defense at the next level could be a question mark.
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